Appointments and offices
Residence matters go through the commune and the OCPM, the cantonal population and migration office. Appointments are short and the vocabulary is specific.
J'ai rendez-vous à dix heures.I have an appointment at ten o'clock.Je voudrais renouveler mon permis.I would like to renew my permit.Finding and renting a home
Most flats are rented through a régie, a property management agency. You will meet bail (lease), charges (service costs) and état des lieux (the condition report at move in and move out).
Les charges sont-elles comprises ?Are the service costs included?Quand puis-je faire l'état des lieux ?When can I do the condition report?Health and insurance
Health insurance in Switzerland runs through a caisse maladie, and your franchise is the amount you pay yourself before the insurer contributes. Doctors' receptions often work by phone.
J'aimerais prendre rendez-vous avec le docteur.I would like to make an appointment with the doctor.Neighbours, school and shops
Small exchanges with neighbours, teachers and shop staff come up from the first week.
Bonjour, nous venons d'emménager au troisième étage.Hello, we have just moved in on the third floor.Un billet pour l'aéroport, s'il vous plaît.One ticket to the airport, please.For a longer list of everyday phrases with pronunciation, see my guide French essentials for daily life in Geneva.
Lessons for your situation
Practise the exact sentences before the appointment
We work with the documents and situations you face: a letter you received, a lease you have to sign, a call you need to make. A 60-minute lesson costs CHF 50, and the first 30-minute conversation is free.
More practical guides
For guides to registration, housing and daily life in Geneva, see the Knowledge Hub at Geneva Expat Solutions, which I also run. To compare other ways of learning French, including group and low-cost classes, read how to improve your French after moving to Geneva.
I teach language. For legal or administrative advice, check the official sources or ask a specialist.